A former Kirimari Ward MCA aspirant in Embu County was fatally shot by police officers on Tuesday after a dramatic and violent escape attempt from police custody during prisoner transport. The deceased, who contested in the 2022 Kenyan General Election, had been facing a murder charge at the time of his death.
The incident has since sparked renewed public interest and concern over prisoner transport security, the increased weaponization of remandees, and the blurred lines between politics and alleged criminal activity in Kenya.
HOW THE ESCAPE ATTEMPT UNFOLDED: FORMER POLITICIAN ATTACKS POLICE WITH PEPPER SPRAY
According to Embu West Sub-county Police Commander Vincent Kitili, the suspect—who had not been named publicly by press time—was among several inmates being escorted back to Embu Prison after attending a court session. During the trip, he reportedly used pepper spray to blind and confuse the police officers escorting them.
“He sprayed the officers with pepper spray from inside the van, causing temporary blindness and panic,” said Commander Kitili.
Taking advantage of the confusion, the ex-MCA aspirant jumped out of the moving police van and fled into the nearby Gatondo area, initiating a high-stakes manhunt.
FINAL STANDOFF: SUSPECT CHARGES AT POLICE WITH MACHETE IN GATONDO
One of the escorting officers gave chase while others remained behind to secure the other prisoners. The fugitive reportedly hid inside a construction site in Gatondo village, where he armed himself with a machete.
Despite being warned multiple times to surrender, the suspect allegedly charged at the pursuing officer with the weapon. Fearing for his safety, the officer opened fire, fatally shooting the suspect at close range.
“He ignored surrender commands and attacked the officer with a machete. This was a high-risk suspect who had already displayed violent tendencies,” said Kitili.
FORMER ASPIRANT LINKED TO ORGANIZED CRIME, POLICE SAY
Police have revealed that the deceased was under investigation for multiple gang-related activities, particularly in Nairobi and its outskirts. He was believed to be a key player in a criminal syndicate linked to high-profile robberies and armed attacks.
“He may have been a political figure, but his criminal background painted a different picture. He was a known suspect in several robbery cases,” added Kitili.
The former aspirant’s body was transported to Embu Level 5 Hospital Mortuary, where an autopsy is expected to be conducted as part of the investigation.
POLICE COMMEND OFFICER’S BRAVERY AMID PUBLIC SECURITY CONCERNS
Commander Kitili commended the officer involved in the shootout for his quick response and courage, stating that the situation could have escalated had the suspect escaped fully armed.
“This officer put his life on the line. The suspect scaled walls, brandished a weapon, and was prepared to fight his way to freedom. The officer remained calm and acted professionally,” Kitili concluded.
The police have now launched a review of transport protocols for high-risk inmates, particularly those with political or public profiles and violent criminal records.
PUBLIC REACTION: CALLS FOR STRONGER INMATE SECURITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY
The incident has stirred online debate, with Kenyans calling for:
- Improved security during court-to-prison transfers
- Thorough vetting of political aspirants to avoid infiltration by individuals with criminal backgrounds
- Tighter controls to prevent smuggling of weapons or pepper spray into custody
- Transparency in handling high-profile inmate cases
While many support the police’s handling of the situation, human rights groups have demanded an independent investigation into the use of deadly force.
